The first pot smashed against the wall behind Thorin. It had been badly aimed, but the next time he had to duck as the next pot came flying. Kassandra threw everything at him that was heavy enough, till there was nothing left to throw. Kassandra was still fuming and paced up and down the small room. Thorin looked at her fragile appearance, he wanted to reach out and touch her, but the rage in her eyes kept him from doing so.
'Sit down over there, by the light.' She pointed to the chair at the window as if nothing had happened.
Thorin hobbled to the chair and sat down. He pulled of his boot and rolled up his trouser to reveal the wound. Kassandra kneeled in front of him and started cleaning the wound. She was not gentle this time, she cleaned it well but a little rough. Thorin had to clench his teeth. The gash did not hurt that much, but his leg still hurt from her kick. Despite it all he had to smile.
'Why are you smiling?' Kassandra frowned at him.
'You kicked the king of Erebor.' Thorin smirked.
'Well, he deserved it.' Kassandra growled.
'Why?' Thorin had to know.
Kassandra glared at him. 'He asks for honor and loyalty, but does not give them back. Women are mere assessoires for him, maybe he should make an own treasury for his female conquests.'
'Is that how you see me?' Thorin was hit hard by her words.
'What would you think in my place?' Kassandra sighed sadly. 'I have always supported you, Thorin. Look where I am now.'
Thorin had to swallow hard. Kassandras words had been brutally honest.
While he thought about what she had said, Kassandra applied the bandage. Lost in thoughts, Kassandra caressed his leg without realising what she did. Her hand slid over his inner thigh as she wanted to pull the end of the trouser back down. Before he could think about it Thorin grabbed it and took a deep breath. Kassandra was shocked as she realised what had happened, but before she knew what to do next Thorin had placed a tender kiss on her palm. What happened next was long overdue.
Thorin and Kassandra fell into each others arms and their lips met with desperate hunger. The kiss was disrupted by Dwalins loud 'Finally!' outside of the door.
Dwalin was afraid that he might had caught a lumbago looking through the keyhole and stave off Fili and Kili who also wanted to take a look. Now he stretched and grinned.
'What happened?' Fili and Kili were more than curious. The other dwarves looked at Dwalin with big eyes.
'All is good.' was all Dwalin told them.
Inside the healer's room Thorin and Kassandra had to giggle as they heard Dwalins relieved outburst. Resting their foreheads together they sat there silently, just enjoying each others company.
'Who is she?' Kassandra broke the silence.
Thorin looked up in confusion. 'She?'
Cocking an eyebrow Kassandra looked at him. 'The blonde dwarf lady who dragged you around on the market. The arrogant little thing.'
Thorin had to smile, he had not thought about Lif the last days. 'The arrogant little thing is Lady Lif from the Iron Hills. She has been quite attentive the last days.'
Kassandra stoop up and continued pacing. She was unsure what to do. There was still something there between her and Thorin, but it was impossible for both to continue as if nothing had happened. Thorin could not sit any longer. He also stood up and stopped her pacing.
'What is it?' he asked softly.
'Are you really asking me that? You were parading down the streets with another woman.' Kassandra growled. 'You haven´t even tried to see me the last months and even now…I guess it were Fili and Kili who dragged you here. Do I mean anything to you?'
'You mean the world to me.' Thorin thought, but he could not say it. He knew that he had to move carefully now. But before he could say anything Balin stepped in.
'Excuse me, my king. We have to leave for Erebor. The feast starts in a few hours.' Balin informed Thorin and smiled at Kassandra warmly. 'Thank you for your help here, lass.'
'You are welcome.' Kassandra started collecting the medical supplies and missed Thorin and Balin exchanging looks behind her back. 'Just see to it that the wound does not get infected, but it shouldn't.'
'Well….' Thorin felt like walking on ice. 'You might want to look at it tomorrow?' he suggested.
'Are you coming here again?' Kassandra asked without turning around.
Balin stood in the middle rolling his eyes.
'Uhm, I actually meant you might want to come to Erebor.' Thorin managed to press out.
Surprised, Kassandra turned around. 'The banishment is annulled?'
Thorin sighed. 'I was not myself that day, I should never have banished you and the halfling at all. I am…I am sorry.'
Kassandra exchanged a glance with Balin. She knew how much will power it had cost the proud dwarf to even say this.
'Well….if you insist then of course I will come to Erebor.' was all she could say.
'Invite her to the party, uncle!' Kili yelled from outside the door. Kassandra could not help but grin. She opened the door and almost had half of the companies dwarves laying at her feet in the small room. With a huge grin Kili continued 'We would be so happy to see you tonight, Andra.'
'It's a gathering of all nobles, Kili. I am not sure wether I should come. I do not even have a dress for such an event.' Kassandra tried to apologise.
'That's not a problem! Mother will find you a dress! C´Mon it'll be fun!' Fili popped in.
'Lassie, don´t be a killjoy, you can come as my date.' Dwalin blinked over to Torin.
Before Thorin could even think about giving Dwalin of piece of his mind, another dwarf entered the small room. Dis was out of breath and panting.
'What is going on here! One of the guards came to me saying something about a boar attack and that you were in some healer's house in Dale! And then no further word for hours! I was worried sick! And worst of all lady Lif followed me everywhere I went crying and asking how you might be!' Dis had talked on and on in her rage and didn't realize where she was exactly until her gaze fell on Kassandra. Awareness shone in her face and amusement as she saw all the broken pots.
Kassandra bowed her head. 'Lady Dis. I apologise for the inconvenience. It's a superficial wound, now that its cleaned everything is fine.'
'Oh no, don't apologise, dear.' Dis took a look in the small room filled with dwarves. 'I figure it wasn't an easy day for you.'
'We invited Kassandra to the feast this evening. Do you have any idea where she might find a dress for such an occasion on that short notice?' Fili had reacted quickly before Thorin or Kassandra could say anything.
Dis grinned, smiling at her sons. She got an idea why they had landed here and not come directly back to Erebor. 'I am sure we will find something suitable. It is so nice of you to come and visit us, Kassandra. We will make ourselves a wonderful evening.' She linked her arm with Kassandras and just strolled out. Kassandra was so surprised that she didn´t even manage to object. On their way out she managed to send a reassuring smile to the old man. Dis smiled warmly at him and also invited him and his wife to the feast as thanks for the medical treatement. On their way to Erebor, Dis and Kassandra walked silently. Kassandra just didn't know what to say and Dis already planned a dress in her head which would make Thorins eyes fall out. Back at Erebor, Dis started rushing the servants for a room and fabric for the dress. She already had a color in mind.
Thorin and the company arrived in Erebor a while later. They all rushed away to get ready for the feast, but unlucky Thorin ran right into lady Lif, standing outside of his chambers.
'King Thorin! Thank Mahal you are alright! I was so worried!' Lif cried out and threw her arms around Thorins neck. 'Is there something I can do for you? Tend to your wound? I heard that a mighty boar attacked you.'
Thorin took her arms off his neck. 'I am fine, mylady, thank you. My wounds have been taken care off in Dale.' His smile encouraged Lif to follow him into his chambers. And that's what Kassandra saw as she turned around the corner heading to Thorins chambers.
